2026 MTV VMAs final tally — Madonna takes seven, Swift honoured

Madonna was the night’s biggest winner at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Snoop Dogg at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27. She took seven Moon People from 13 nominations: artist of the year, best collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter for “Bring Your Love”, best dance, best album, best long-form video, best cinematography and best choreography — the last five all for “Confessions II”. She also opened the show, her first live VMA performance in 23 years. The ceremony aired live on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streamed on Paramount+.

Taylor Swift won video of the year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and best direction for “Opalite”, and received the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.

BTS took three prizes: song of the year (“Swim”), best K-pop and best group. Sienna Spiro won best new artist, LISA best pop for “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”, and Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award.

Further winners: Cardi B featuring Kehlani (“Safe”, best hip-hop), Bruno Mars (“I Just Might”, best R&B), Olivia Rodrigo (“the cure”, best alternative), Bad Bunny (“NUEVAYoL”, best Latin), Ella Langley (“Choosin’ Texas”, best country), Ariana Grande (song of summer and best visual effects for “hate that i made you love me”), PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson (“Stateside”, best art direction) and Sabrina Carpenter (“House Tour”, best editing). The night also featured tributes to George Michael and Dolly Parton.

Sources

• People: https://people.com/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-list-12135520
• USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/awards/2026/09/27/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-list/91869234007/
• Page Six: https://pagesix.com/2026/09/27/entertainment/mtv-vmas-2026-full-list-of-nominees-and-winners/
• Just Jared: https://www.justjared.com/2026/09/27/mtv-vmas-2026-winners-full-list/